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Monday, December 30, 2013

Memories from 2013

As another calendar year wraps up, I think we all naturally begin to reflect on the year and the memories we made.

The Family

We started off the the new year back and forth between the two houses and homeschooling away from home. I was trying to stay close to my midwife because I was miserably pregnant and very close to delivery. Finally, finally, after what felt like an eternity (but in reality was only two days past my due date) we welcomed our precious daughter into this world. Eleanor has added so much joy to our home, and we are so thankful for the extra love she has brought into our family.

Emory is four years old now, and his birthday interview was so much fun! This boy is definitely all boy. He is also caught in the middle of still being my "little boy" and trying to be a big boy like his older brother. He is the determined, daring, emotional, impulsive, intense, but lovable little boy that challenges me. He started Junior Church this fall, he goes to co-op with us now, and he does some Pre-K work at home when he wants to, but his "school" is mostly drawing (and writing random letters as he sees fit) or preschool play more often than not. He loves to take selfies on our phone, and make silly faces. This is the Emory we know and love . . .

Elliott is already seven years old. My mind is having a hard time wrapping around this one. He is the inquisitive, precocious one, and he blows my mind sometimes. He is witty and sarcastic. He still loves all things Lego, enjoys video games and art, and even though he's our shy one, he asked to play basketball this year. I think it was only a one-time thing, but he enjoyed it. He is daddy's mini-me, and he has a heart of gold.

Daddy and the boys have instilled a "Boys Day Out" that they usually do every month or two. It started as a way to get them out of the house more while the baby was still little, and give me a little rest, but it is really a great time for them. Sometimes he takes them to a new movie, sometimes he takes them to the Home Depot Kids Workshops, and sometimes he just takes them to run errands. Regardless, they love going out alone with Daddy.

Other times, Daddy keeps all the kids home, and I go out sans kids, which is a rare treat. Most of the time I end up buying for the kids. One of my latest shopping sprees was at Kohl's, where I spent $11.35 and saved $221.29. I got the baby girl some clothes for late winter/early spring, and a couple things to put back for next winter. This is my kind of shopping.

Elliott is in first grade, and insisted on an interview. Emory is in Pre-K. We had an "official" first day of school mostly for ceremony, since we do not follow a strict schedule.

I am learning myself that my Children Are Always Learning but that Homeschooling Takes Effort. We are adapting and figuring out our "method" as we go along. We focus on nature study, and reading good books. We do a few math and reading lessons every week, and let the rest fall into place. It is working well for us.

This past year was my 2nd round with the Schoolhouse Review Crew, which has brought some new and interesting curriculum into our homeschool. It has really helped us figure out what works and what doesn't, and helps me navigate the homeschool curriculum market. Although it was a tough choice, I did narrow down our Top 5 Favorites from this last year. I am continuing on with the Crew, so I am excited to see what the new year brings us!

This has been such a great year. It has been hard at times, no lie. Eleanor was not an easy baby. We moved. Things were hectic at times. However, we have an amazing and supportive family, good friends, a wonderful church family, and we are healthy. I am thankful for the blessings we have received, and look forward to a new year!

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